On January 28, 2003, a Mooney M20K (registration N231NT) operated by Karole Kay Jensen was involved in an aviation accident near Myrtle Beach, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff climb, a pilot heard a loud pop and lost engine power. The aircraft landed on remaining runway but stopped beyond it. Investigation found low cylinder compression and a fuel selector positioned partially off.
Event Description
During the takeoff climb, the pilot reported a loud pop followed by a loss of engine power. She attempted to land on the remaining runway. The airplane came to a stop about 250 feet past the end of the runway and 200 feet left of the centerline.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the airplane's engine revealed no discrepancies except for a low reading in the number 3 cylinder during a cold compression check. The fuel, along with the fuel systems, was examined and no abnormalities were found.
A person from the fixed base operator (FBO) assisted the occupants out of the aircraft and turned off all switches. He remembered that the auxiliary fuel pump was on and that the fuel selector was pointing to a position between the left fuel tank and the off position. The pilot could not remember if she had turned the fuel selector to the off position at the time of the accident.